One-Pan High Protein Chili Mac (Printable version)

A hearty, beefy one-pot dish combining smoky spiced chili with creamy macaroni and cheddar for a protein-packed weeknight meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 pound ground beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat

→ Aromatics

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices

04 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
05 - 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 0.5 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
08 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce Base

09 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
10 - 0.5 cup tomato sauce
11 - 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth

→ Pasta

12 - 2 cups dry elbow macaroni or short pasta

→ Cheese

13 - 2 cups shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese

→ Optional Add-Ins

14 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 - 1 jalapeño pepper, diced

→ Toppings

16 - Sliced green onions
17 - Sour cream
18 - Crushed tortilla chips
19 - Extra shredded cheddar cheese
20 - Fresh cilantro

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the meat and onions. Stir thoroughly to coat all components with spices.
04 - Pour diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and broth into the skillet. Stir well to combine all liquid components.
05 - Add dry macaroni and optional beans or jalapeño if desired. Stir to incorporate, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
06 - Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture and most liquid is absorbed, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
07 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over pasta and stir until completely melted, creating a creamy, smooth sauce.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
09 - Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings such as green onions, sour cream, tortilla chips, cilantro, or extra cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is as easy as dinner itself.
  • It delivers serious protein without feeling heavy or complicated.
  • The smoky spice and gooey cheese hit that perfect balance between cozy and exciting.
  • You can swap the meat, the pasta, or the cheese and it still turns out delicious every time.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the fat after browning the meat, or the sauce can end up greasy instead of creamy.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers so it doesn't clump or stick to the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the cheese off the heat so it melts smoothly without breaking or getting grainy.
03 -
  • Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for the best balance of tang and creaminess.
  • Let the pasta sit for a minute or two after stirring in the cheese so the sauce can thicken up and cling to every piece.
  • If you're cooking for a crowd, this recipe doubles easily and reheats like a dream.
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